The Canadian Community Newspapers Association (CCNA) has scored a lobbying victory with the Publications Assistance Program’s (PAP) decision to not require PAP members to provide detailed financial statements for proof of circulation. Instead, CCNA members who are a part of PAP will be able to simply submit a Verified Circulation audit. The decision has already taken effect.
ÔÇ£Verified Circulation answers all of their questions,ÔÇØ said PAP Committee Chairman Fred Heidman. ÔÇ£This shows the validity and the importance of this program.ÔÇØ
Heidman said the requirement for publishers to provide further financial information to PAP could have evolved into a major concern for CCNA. He was complementary of the ongoing working relationship that the PAP committee and Canada Post created in their discussions.
Below is the revision that will replace the text under the section entitled “After Applying” on page 9 of the Publications Assistance Program – Applicant Guide, 2004 Edition:
Circulation Audit Requirements for Publications
ÔÇó A PAP recipient is required to provide verification documents certifying the eligible publication’s circulation for a mailed distribution to “bona fide” subscribers, single-copy sales, and newsstands in Canada. The required documents to substantiate the total annual paid circulation are as follows:
ÔÇó less than 15,000 copies mailed per year: the publisher must provide one of the following:
1) A completed PAP Statement of Income and Expenses Form; or
2) A financial statement clearly showing subscription revenues and postal expenses may be accepted at the discretion of the Program;
3) A full audit, if available, will take precedence.
ÔÇó 15,000 to 75,000 copies mailed per year: the publisher must provide one of the following circulation reports:
1) A full audit, if available, by the CCAB, ABC, ODC or CCNA;
2) If no audit is available, either a financial statement or a PAP Statement of Income and Expenses Form; or
3) A financial statement signed by an accountant or auditor may also be accepted at the discretion of the program.
ÔÇó over 75,000 copies mailed per year: the publisher must provide a circulation statement issued by the Canadian Community Newspapers Association (CCNA) or its equivalent, or the Canadian Circulations Audit Board (CCAB), the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC), or the Office de la distribution certifi├®e (ODC).